Equans has signed a new five-year Strategic Partnership agreement with Cheshire West and Chester Council to deliver facilities management services across the Council’s estate.

The deal follows the conclusion of a previous joint venture between the two parties, known as QWEST, which had been operating since 2015. The joint venture officially ceased delivering services in March 2025, paving the way for Equans to take over directly under the new arrangement.

Under the partnership, Equans will continue to provide both hard and soft facilities management services across the Council's extensive 400-property operational and corporate estate. This includes services such as cleaning, caretakin, and mailroom operations.

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During its tenure as part of QWEST, Equans played a key role in supporting community initiatives. In 2023 alone, the joint venture facilitated more than 1,200 hours of employee volunteering. These efforts supported care leavers, helped renovate community buildings, delivered educational workshops, and contributed to tackling food poverty.

The new Strategic Partnership agreement maintains a strong focus on delivering social value to the local community, with Equans and the Council committed to furthering this impact in the years ahead.

Richard Carmichael, Managing Director for Local Authority Services at Equans UK & Ireland, said: "We are pleased that the strong partnership we have built with Cheshire West and Chester Council will continue through this Facilities Management partnership. We have been focused on delivering a smooth transition from the QWEST joint venture to this new partnership.

"We are also looking forward to delivering even more positive and impactful contributions to local residents through our social value and volunteering efforts, which will continue to target local priorities."